The New England Patriots made a move to bolster their depleted backfield by signing veteran running back Joseph Addai.

News of the former Indianapolis Colt jumping to the other side of the rivalry was first reported by Peyton Manning, who broke the news to reporters at a charity event in Indianapolis.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The Patriots began auditioning veteran running backs a few weeks before the draft after BenJarvus Green-Ellis left to Cincinnati as a free agent. Along with Addai, Tim Hightower and Ryan Grant were also brought in for a visit.

New England coach Bill Belichick has always been fond of Addai and strongly considered drafting him 2006 but ultimately selected Laurence Maroney with the 21st pick. Addai, a product of LSU, landed with Indianapolis nine picks later.

A good receiver out of the backfield who is strong at picking up blitzes, Addai rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons but was limited to 20 games over the past two due to leg injuries.

He was released earlier this winter after carrying 118 times last season for a career-low 433 yards. He also fumbled seven times, losing five.

Addai will add a veteran presence to a backfield that currently contains second-year players Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, as well as Danny Woodhead.